Flora Hansen calls herself a medium and makes a living by pretending to commune with the dead. But after a gruesome murder at a rural home for wayward girls, Hansen begins to suffer visions that are all too real. She calls the police claiming to have seen a ghost, but only one detective puts aside his skepticism long enough to listen: Joona Linna. Linna has spent more time at the scene of the crime than any other detective would.

Your Likes make Audible better!

Publisher's Summary

Lars Kepler, the author of The Hypnotist and The Nightmare, deliver his most thrilling novel yet. Flora Hansen calls herself a medium and makes a living by pretending to commune with the dead. But after a gruesome murder at a rural home for wayward girls, Hansen begins to suffer visions that are all too real. She calls the police claiming to have seen a ghost, but only one detective puts aside his skepticism long enough to listen: Joona Linna. Linna has spent more time at the scene of the crime than any other detective would.

The case seems obvious on the face of it: One of the girls at the home escaped in the middle of the night, leaving behind a bloody bed with a hammer under the pillow. But why does Hansen insist that the murder instrument was a stone, not a hammer? And what’s the story behind the dark-red grain of sand, almost like a splinter from a ruby, stuck beneath the dead girl’s fingernail? As Linna refuses to accept the easy answers, his search leads him into darker, more violent territory and, finally, to a shocking confrontation with a figure from his past.

Just as The Hypnotist and The Nightmare did, The Fire Witness has spent months at number one on the Swedish best-seller lists. As the newspaper Dagens Nyheter put it, you start the book "on the subway home, keep reading at the dinner table, and then don’t stop until well into the wee hours." With publication to come in more than 15 countries, it’s sure to join the ranks of its predecessors as an international sensation.

What the Critics Say

"Mark Bramhall gives a faultless, taut, and sympathetic performance, and that coupled with complex but controlled and fast-paced plotting and a silky-smooth translation makes this a completely absorbing production. Bramhall's timbre is attractively roughened, and his range of character voices is truly impressive." (AudioFile)

What remarkable writing. Where does that come from? I couldn't sleep one night so I started listening to this book. Okay, then I really couldn't sleep! From the very beginning I was mesmerized, scared and intrigued by the story. The prime character Joona Linna is complex and at times endearing. The twists and turns throughout the story will keep you on your toes.

First time author, Lars Kepler. What's interesting here is that Lars Kepler is the pseudonym for a Swedish husband and wife writing team. As I was listening to the book, I couldn't help but wonder if they sat around over coffee in the morning and came up with the plot. The book starts out set in a home for young girls, age 12-17, where they are there not because they are pregnant but rather that society has given up on them. They all suffer from issues with sex, drugs, violence, even a combination of them. There is a gruesome double murder where the prime suspect is one of the wards, a 15 year old girl. Right after the murders happen the 15 year old disappers, runs through a dark forest at night, comes out on a road where there is a car parked beside the roadn, running with the driver's door open and the female driver having run behind a tree for a bio break. The girl takes off in the car only to discover that the lady's 4 year old son is in a car seat in the back. The chase is on and this is only the beginning of the book! The authors go on to write a tale that keeps you guessing, keeps you turning the pges and, often, is quite spooky. I really enjoyed it and will enjoy the next book when it comes out. These Scandavian authors really have it going.

If you liked the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, you will love Lars Kepler. GREAT stories that keep you wanting more. Unbelievable plot twists that will take you by surprise and you will fall in love with Joona Linna! A defintite MUST READ!!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fire Witness to be better than the print version?

This novel is very fast paced. The detective could be a superhero and all the twists and turns are over the top but the end result is riveting, scary and lots of fun. I wonder what it is about Scandinavian writers and thrillers...nobody does it better!

What other book might you compare The Fire Witness to and why?

I have read "The Hipnotist" by the same authors. That book was equally suspenseful and entertaining but the plot was quite different although as over the top as this one. The writer manages to make us suspend belief for the ride and manages to entertain us and jostle us.

Have you listened to any of Mark Bramhall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first narration by Bramhall I have listened to. He was just perfect on this.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is a detective novel about a gruesome double murder committed at a facility for disturbed girls. The novel starts with that evens and takes off from there. This is a book that you will really wish you could finish in one sitting.

Where does The Fire Witness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I want the story to end, but then I don't. I liked this thriller very much. Mr. Kepler writes very well and keeps you interested. There is, however, some repetition in the story line that could have been done without. That is the only reason I gave it four stars instead of five.

What other book might you compare The Fire Witness to and why?

I'm loving all the Swedish and Danish detective series and I would compare to Jussi Adler, who I really like.

What about Mark Bramhall’s performance did you like?

the many characters, each with his/her own voice. And, he read at a very good pace.

This is the first book i read from Lars Kepler and it was fantastic book, it reminded me of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (but i think mainly because both are swedish books).

The plot is based around a murder case where everyone is assuming one thing and you have the one who is sure its something else and his name is Joona. I have noticed that a lot of people are talking about how scary the book is, but its not scary, its a murder case with blood and death, but people kept on saying "oh there is ghosts and its too scary".. Its not scary, its a great book, and I'll go later on and get the other 2 books, this is the 3rd book from Kepler and its a stand alone book, but from what i have read Joona is in the other 2 books (haven't confirmed that myself yet)

If you are a fan of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, and Snow White Must Die, then you will like this book.

Lars Kepler writes in such a way that you are kept mesmerized! The story is filled with twists that make it impossible for the reader to guess the outcome. The narrator is amazing!!! This is the second book I've listened to by Lars Kepler and I plan to listen to all of his books.

This story was compelling and the beginning really grabbed by attention. It was a little bit of a challenge to following the place names but once I got into it far enough, it did not distract me from the story. Very interesting and complex characters that hooked me. I did see the end coming a bit early but still enjoyed this book as it raced to the climax. It can be a bit graphic in parts but the writing in superb and you get swept up in the story and all the action. The pace is great, keeps you on your toes all the way to the end.

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Can't wait to hear more from this listener?

You can now follow your favorite reviewers on Audible.

When you follow another listener, we'll highlight the books they review, and even email* you a copy of any new reviews they write. You can un-follow a listener at any time to stop receiving their updates.

* If you already opted out of emails from Audible you will still get review emails by the listeners you follow.